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Effect of Adaptive Seating Systems on Postural Control and Activity Performance: A Systematic Review
Bishnu Dutta Acharya1, Arpita Karki, Saipin Prasertsukdee
1Department of Physical Therapy (Mr Acharya), Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal; Community-Based Rehabilitation (Ms Karki) International Nepal Fellowship, Mugu, Nepal; Faculty of Physical Therapy (Dr Prasertsukdee), Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand; School of Medical Sciences (Dr Reed), Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences (Dr Rawal), Central Queensland University, Sydney, Australia; Nepal Health Research Council (Ms Baniya), Kathmandu, Nepal; Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre (Dr Boyd), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Adaptive seating systems effectively improve posture and function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). While evidence is limited, these systems enhance quality of life and reduce stress for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face challenges with sitting posture and control.
- Adaptive seating systems are commonly used to support these children.
- Evidence on the effectiveness of these systems requires systematic evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Limited evidence supports the effectiveness of adaptive seating systems for improving sitting ability and postural control in children with CP.
- Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with objective outcome measures are necessary.
- Adaptive seating devices are favored by parents and therapists, but objective outcome data is needed.
Purpose:
To systematically review the effectiveness of adaptive seating systems on sitting posture, postural control, and seated activity performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Summary Of Key Points:
From 5 databases, 3 of 21 (14%) articles were of good quality based on the Downs and Black checklist. Commercial modular contoured seating and paper-based low-cost, and contoured foam seating were effective at improving sitting posture, postural control, and seated activity performance. Parents and service providers reported that seating systems reduced stress, burden and psychosocial well-being, and quality of life in children with CP.
Conclusion:
Limited evidence demonstrated that adaptive seating systems were effective at improving sitting ability and postural control. Randomized controlled trials with objective outcome measures of seating performance in children with CP are needed to evaluate effectiveness.
Recommendations For Clinical Practice:
Adaptive seating devices are preferred by parents and therapists for children with CP; however, objective measures of seating outcomes are needed.
